Two Days in Ankara for the Local Traveller
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If you are arriving by train from Istanbul or Eskişehir, here is Ankara compressed. Saturday means Anıtkabir, breakfast in Hamamönü, then the citadel and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Sunday brings a late breakfast on Tunalı, Kuğulu Park and the Çankaya slope up to Atakule. In two days you see three faces of the city; monument, history and everyday life. Take a packet of Ankara simit with you on the train home.
Route Stops
The Monument Cemetery of Independence
Be there at 9 am on Saturday. See the mausoleum and museum before the crowds arrive, and the rest of the day is yours.
The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Anıtkabir, has been built as a large complex with architectural elegance and a historical atmosphere.
Anıtkabir has been designed to reflect Atatürk's legacy and the struggle for independence in all its details. The Monument Block, the Lion Road, the Peace Park, and the museum together offer a multifaceted experience that narrates the history of the Republic to all visitors. The Lion Road at the entrance of Anıtkabir is adorned with large and symbolic statues representing the pride of a nation that does not kneel before colonial power.
Additionally, the Anıtkabir Atatürk and War of Independence Museum stands out with its exhibitions that thoroughly address the founding process of the Republic. The museum houses Atatürk's personal belongings, manuscripts, the original publication of the Nutuk, and photographs left from that era.
Anıtkabir is not only a mausoleum but also a center of history and respect. Every year, millions of visitors come here to pay their respects to the independence hero Atatürk.
Hamamönü.
Come in fifteen minutes by taxi. Have a late breakfast and wander the restored lanes, and do not skip the menengiç coffee.
Anatolian Civilizations Museum - The Door to History
Fifteen minutes uphill; the museum in the afternoon, allow two hours.
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located at the foot of Ankara Castle, sheds light on the rich history of Anatolia, spanning from the Paleolithic Period to the Roman Period. The museum showcases unique artifacts from the Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and Lydian civilizations, with particular emphasis on the Hittite Sun Disk and the findings from Alacahöyük. Additionally, the museum houses countless historical artifacts such as ceramics, tablets, sculptures, and ancient jewelry. This venue, a major attraction for archaeology enthusiasts and history buffs, is also listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
Ankara Castle (Hisar).
Sunset from the citadel; dinner at one of the restaurants inside the walls, and ask for a table with a view.
Tunalı Hilmi Avenue.
Sunday morning; breakfast and window shopping, no hurry.
Swan Park: Ankara's Peace Stop
Walk to the end of the street. Watch the swans and take a coffee break.
One of the most popular green spaces in the capital Ankara, Kuğulu Park is an essential stop for those who want to connect with nature in the midst of city life. Located in the Kavaklıdere neighborhood, right next to Tunalı Hilmi Street, this charming park is one of the favorite relaxation spots for Ankarans, especially known for its tranquil atmosphere, the pond famous for its swans, and lush green areas.
Named after the white and black swans, ducks, and geese that inhabit it, Kuğulu Park has been welcoming visitors for years with its nature-friendly structure. The park's pond offers a natural habitat where these elegant birds glide and swim, while the surrounding walking paths and benches provide visitors with a peaceful resting opportunity.
Opened in the 1960s, Kuğulu Park has gradually become one of Ankara's most beloved parks. Especially in the spring and summer months, it is filled with people sitting in the shade of trees reading books, taking photos, and enjoying pleasant moments with their loved ones. The cafes and restaurants around it also complement the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Atakule.
Walk up via Seğmenler. Take in the farewell view from the deck, then catch your train.
